Ware is only 31 years old, and he seems to have a few more years left in him.

The Cowboys used the franchise tag to keep Anthony Spencer in both 2012 and 2013, but owner Jerry Jones vowed not to use it this year.

After the two sides were unable to renegotiate Ware's contract, he was released before the 4 p.m. free agency deadline. It's the end of an era for a guy who was once the most dominant defender in the league.